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PAH-first skin cancer detection system to roll out across East Coast

30 November 2018

Next year, Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) will be at the centre of the world's first network of 3D skin cancer detecting machines (VECTRA) set to revolutionise the fight against melanoma by digitally generating a patient's full-body avatar.

PAH Chair of Dermatology Prof H. Peter Soyer said the hospital – which is already home to Australia’s first VECTRA – will install a second machine in early 2019, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) to fund 15 cutting-edge, walk-in imaging capsules across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

“The research conducted at PAH over the last three years has shown the value and credibility of this technology in the early detection of melanoma,” Prof Soyer said.

“The VECTRA has revolutionised the way we map, monitor and diagnose skin conditions and skin cancers on high-risk melanoma patients.

“Now we will be significantly expanding the research and installing machines up and down the East Coast.”

The 3D imaging system takes a total body image in milliseconds, significantly improving lesion identification and tracking, while greatly reducing appointment times and healthcare costs.

It’s estimated each of the 15 machines will be able to provide 3,000 examinations annually, resulting in approximately 100,000 digital avatars for research and comparison within three years.

“It will be five to 10 years before this technology is routinely used and available throughout Australia and the world,” Prof Soyer said.

“It will be the new screening tool of the future as early detection is the key to saving lives and to achieving our vision of a world without melanoma.”

The Centre will be a hub for gathering imaging data and research, and will facilitate a telemedicine network across the three states.